Last ward conference talk- Jake

 My brother and I decided to go on one last adventure before he left for the Air Force Academy.  We decided to hike the highest point in Texas, Guadlupe Peak… in the middle of the night.  The plan was to hike it at dark and watch the beautiful Texas sunrise.  We planned on an 8-hour hike in the dark.  We prepared our packs with the essential snacks, lights, and batteries for our adventure.  Within about 15 minutes on the trail, both of our lights went out.  No problem, we had plenty of backup batteries.  However, upon replacing the batteries, the lights still did not come on.  We had a decision to make.  As teenagers, though, was there really a choice.  We let our eyes adjust to the darkness and continued our journey.  It was dark.

More recently my oldest daughter convinced me to run a death by 5k event, where I believe the stated goal is to kill you by having you run 10 5k’s (31 miles) in 24 hours.  Ginny bought matching headlamps that were motion activated that made for some really cool dance scenes before the race.  My daughter’s headlamp went out I believe at the first 5k in the dark.  However, someone had gifted her another, not as cool, headlamp.  My headlamp went out on the 8^th 5k within the first 200 yards of the run.  It would have been so easy to simply turn around.  However, my daughter who convinced me of this craziness was beside me on this particular run.  We had a decision to make.  And she still had a working headlamp.  So we pressed on.

Perhaps my darkest night was back in April though.  After a series of bad events, I kicked my son out of the house.  As dark as it was for me (and mom), I know it was darker for Jake.  What hurt even more is that Jake felt like he had no one that night he could call.  I got so mad.  I was mad at God for letting me fail as a dad.  I got mad at you, my ward family, for not being there for my son.  We have talked about so many people in ward council and bishopric meetings, including other youth, and my son was alone.  I was already mad at Jake.  Was there no way forward?

Then I came to learn how good God really is… again.  How someone who felt unworthy of His love nonetheless his guidance would be granted light in the darkest hour.  See Jake’s mind could not think of anyone to call that night because he needed his imperfect dad, and his imperfect dad needed his son.  Jake and I took a drive in the truck.  We spoke, sometimes with raised voices, about everything happening.  I could see the pain and fear in his eyes and soul.  And at the moment that I was most irrational, my heart suddenly broke.  And I just wanted to hold my son and let him know it would be okay.  My pride probably prevented me from helping Jake fully feel the tender mercy God had just given me.  I deserved no such mercy, no such intervention, no compassion or love at that moment when I had been the one making the wrong choices and ignoring God’s previous guidance.  

Fast forward to today. I would say that my relationship with Jake is much stronger than it was in those dark days.  He did spend a few nights in my shed when I kicked him out, which is more of a man cave.  Our other son actually asked to join him.  I don’t know how effective kicking him out was. Our relationship didn’t improve in one night but steadily, and I credit Jake more than myself for the healing that has taken place… and God most of all.  Jake just submitted his mission papers, and I am really excited to be able to interview him today.  

 If I can circle back to my previous two stories quickly.  My brother and I made it to the top of Gaudalupe Peak in record time.  We got to the top a full 3 hours before sunrise, and man was it cold.  We only had one sleeping bag with us because we had not anticipated our pace up the mountain.  Fortunately, my brother made sure I stayed warm, either out of love or fear of my guardian angel, mom… maybe both.  Can I tell you despite the darkness of our journey, the stars were beautiful at night.  They were like a thousand little prayers said on our behalf to the summit of our hike.  And the sun did rise.  On that 8^th 5k, my daughter held her light between us, lighting my way, and allowing for us to finish the race and enjoy a little time together.  And the sun did rise.  And I did finish the death by 5k alive and in record time for anyone aged 47 years, 1 month, and 3 days old at that particular race.  

I know many of you are going through dark days.  Many of you are going through challenging health conditions personally or of a loved one.  Many have lost loved ones even just recently.  My heart goes out to you.  I hurt for you.  Know that you have an inspired ward council who is praying for you by name.  Like stars in the night, we hope you can feel those prayers and receive the guidance and comfort you need.  May you have a friend that will walk beside and share their light on your path.  Please know that the sun will rise, because His Son has risen with healing in his hands. Psalm 23:4 states, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”  My faith has been strengthened not in spite of my dark days, whether self-inflicted or not, but because of my dark days.  I promise you that God is with you, that the sun will rise upon your dark days.  Keep pressing forward, in the light of others, if necessary, until your light is renewed. 

Comfort months later and last weeks of summer

As you may recall, in November of last year, there was a new Stake President called and I struggled with understanding the process of revelation and understanding because we had felt Jake was going to be called in.  This past week as a busy one with bishoping.  Although we are studying in Job this week, it was no doubt the words of Uriah to Esther came to my mind last Friday that Jake was called/stayed for a time such as this. On Sunday 8/9, our dear friend Debbie Donald lost her sister unexpectedly. Jake ended up doing the funeral on Saturday 8/15 because she and her dad are in our ward and the bishop in the other ward did not reach out to them (she (deceased) and her other sister lived together and attended another ward together).  Wednesday (8/12), Jake received a call about a member in the ward that was taken to the hospital via ambulance and the wife did not expect him to live.  We left and went to the hospital when the call came through about 10:30pm and stayed with the family at the hospital until about 2:30am.  The brother, Bob Allen, passed away Thursday evening.  As I watched my husband show up and comfort, I knew he was saved for this week to be there for his ward. They needed him and he needed them.  His first full week of school with students was one of the harder ones in over a decade he said but it was compensated with opportunities to serve others and comfort.  The ministering made the week more bearable at school for him. 

Jake is remarkable with youth as well.  He has called most of the youth 16+ to serve as ward missionaries and had them over with his counselors for a training.  He blesses the lives of so many. 

 

The ward missionaries with the bishopric

 

Summers seem to pass too quickly as does time I have learned. The best days are those spent soaking up time with those I love the most. This summer we spent time together on trips, had lots of laughs at Aubs and Will when their wisdom teeth were pulled, attended summer camps, got the final inspection on the shed, and spent time with family & friends.  I enjoyed a few hours in the pool with my boys and before the boys got back from FSY, we went to a Redbirds game with the girls since I needed to go for work any way. 

 

For the first time, I only have one in school but each are busy doing their thing. Christopher is in 11th grade and driving this year. 

Jacob, my Will,  is preparing to submit his mission papers in the next week or so. He will do a semester at U of M while he waits to serve. 

Aubree is working at the hospital and starts her last year in her program in a couple weeks. 

 

Ginny does equal time traveling and working it seems. She’s quite the hygienist and explorer. She has a new guy friend and they have been out a couple times. I guess yesterday (8/17) they decided to date exclusively. 

My Jacob is in year 20 (I think or maybe 21) teaching. There is no tired last first day teacher tired with students.  His shed he built is fully permitted and complete as of this summer. The weekend before school started we went boating with our neighbors which was relaxing.  He’s a man of many talents.

 

As for me, I decided to try to learn to make beaded hummingbirds.  I made 2, which are not great, but I wanted to prove that I could.  No, I did not make the necklace I am wearing, Ginny bought it for me because I love the birds so much. 

  

 

 

 

 

YSA Talk 8.9.26

In the New Testament (Mark 5 and Luke 8) we read about a place of tombs. A man with no clothes tormented day and night. When Jesus saw him, He asked the man’s name. “Legion,” the man answered, suggesting he was possessed by many devils (Mark 5:9; Luke 8:30). But Jesus knew how to remove what held this man captive. There were pigs, a cliff, a lake, and then … a healed man, sitting at the feet of his Savior. Now clothed and in the right state of mind, one may wonder what the thoughts and feelings going through this man’s soul were. Was he now finally at peace? I think so. 

 

When Christ boarded a ship to leave, the man pleaded to go with Him. Perhaps he felt safe being near the Lord and knew it was the only way to not fall back.  But the Savior had a different mission in mind for him. Jesus asked the man to return home and tell his friends about what had happened. And so, the man went, testifying throughout the whole city “how great things Jesus had done unto him” (Luke 8:39).

 

Take a moment and try to imagine that man’s life before Christ, before experiencing His grace and power. The scriptures teach us that “Legion” - “Always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones” (Mark 5:5). Then Christ and His grace appeared, at the very place where he was bound. And a life of chains—captivity and running from demons—was replaced with a testimony of the mercy and power of Jesus Christ.

 

Just like “Legion”, everyone has a story, a need, a lack, a place of inadequacy, an imperfection.  I know the details of mine, and you know the details of yours. And the Lord? He knows all our stories, every dark place we have been, every sorrow we feel, every hope, every heartache, and every happily ever after. 

 

Often there are times in our lives when we allow ourselves to feel discouraged when we have made a mistake or wonder if we belong, even within the gospel or church.   I begin to “beat” myself up per say, remembering all the mistakes I have made, and question at times if I am becoming what the Lord needs to me to be or even worthy at times to fully participate in the gospel.

 

As I talk with others, I have learned that at times there can be pain and discomfort that accompanies modern membership in the Church, however, I am an advocate that we must face these problems head on because beyond the hurt lies the gospel, with an unsurpassed power to heal a wounded world and soul. Internal suffering can come when one feels they do not belong or have different feelings or views on things than most other members.  It can be a source of overwhelming pain as the devil would make us feel inadequate or lonely.  

 

Maybe you are among the minority that has not questioned your role in the universe; however, it would benefit us all to better understand the sources of hurt for others. Understanding is needed to help build a bridge over the divides, whatever they may be, intergenerational to opinions. Enabling us to be covenant keepers- to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. The hope that comes from Christ is hope tempered by Gethsemane and Calvary, and too often the answers found in gospel teaching and life most often come as contradictory: sacrifices bringing forth blessings, the penniless being the richer than the wealthy, the living among the dead, and an unwed mother preparing to give birth to God’s chosen son.

 

Lehi (2 Nephi 2:11) taught that good and evil constitute co-eternal principles and not a question of whether we will suffer.  Undoubtedly, we will suffer. But how will we choose to respond to that suffering? Will we choose to lean into the vulnerability created by suffering, so we can fully understand the necessity, power, and transformative effects of love?  Will we not fear the judgment of others and seek refuge with one another? Will we choose to welcome those who differ and love with open arms or will we silently judge? Will we turn to the Savior, even if we have only a mere hope that He can help? Will we allow our faith to diminish? Or to grow?  Will we seek discipleship?

 

“Faith is the wind that keeps our discipleship aloft when our confidence falters…Faith is a combination of grace, personal tenacity, and commitment that allows us to continue living as the gospel is true, even when we remain unsure. It does not always allow us to make the right decision, but it allows us to keep trying, even when we falter.”  Discipleship in the face of uncertainty taxes us and requires humility, determination, and faith. Doing just this is intellectually and morally defensible, however, it can become transformative and beautiful. Persevering through episodes of doubt matures our faith. There will be days when we believe despite it all, days when we do not, and days when the best I can give is to hope that belief will one day reawaken. 

 

We must become like Mary, who continually sought Jesus, even after His death. Even when she had watched the object of her faith and devotion breathe His last breath, and even when she buried her Master’s lifeless body, and even in her mind must have declared it to be the end- some spark deep inside her refused to die, a stubborn ember of persistent belief. What followed was perhaps the sweetest reunion in all of scripture- a reunion involving both the return of her Teacher and the rising of her confidence and understanding.  … There really are blessings that can come only when we persist in making our way toward the tree of life, even and especially when the mists of darkness wrap their tendrils most tightly around us. (Johnson, 130) Show up. Mourn. Hold on. But Stay near Him. “Jesus never forgets a promise. Despite giving Him every reason to, Jesus will never give up on the house of Israel. He will never give up on you.” (Hank Smith, 2025)

 

How many times do we have to read that He is “mighty to save” before we start to believe it? Those of us who know the Lord can see His ministry continuing—just as it did in His mortal life. He still goes village to village, house to house—one by one. Jesus shows up for us. (Hank Smith, 2025)

 

“Perhaps He (the Lord) sees you trying to follow your dreams and live your best life, how you want to make a difference. He knows the desires of your heart and the imaginations of your thoughts and how you wonder if you have what it takes to succeed. His grace has the power to lift and enable you.

 

Maybe He sees you caving to the worry that presses in, how it wakes you, heart pounding, in the night. He knows the inner turmoil, the uneasiness, the tension that sometimes forces you to disengage, to seek solitude, to long for the peace that never comes. His grace has the power to calm and strengthen you.

 

He sees you struggling through the addiction that chases you, that whispers to you in your idle moments, that won’t lose its hold on you. How you try to be strong, how you sometimes succumb. His grace has the power to intensify and reinforce your fight. To lift, to help you overcome in those small incremental steps. 

 

He sees you battling memories that try to destroy you, that haunt your thoughts in the midnight hours, the traumas that won’t be forgotten. He knows they have a hold over you, over your happiness, how you feel like a hostage to the past. His grace has the power to shift your focus forward so you can leave that past behind.

 

He sees you aching from the loss, how you mourn the memories you’ll never make together, the life moments they will never see, the parts of the journey they will never know. His grace has the power to bring the healing balm of Gilead for the wounds that feel too deep.

 

He sees you trying to mend the rift, to understand the enlarging gap, sees you wondering how they can walk away so easily, how they don’t seem to care, how their choices are breaking your family, your heart, how this is breaking you. His grace has the power to enlarge your capacity for patience, for understanding, for love.

 

He sees you longing for what will complete you and fearing it will never come. How you yearn for love, for companionship, to find security. How you are still walking the journey alone. His grace has the power to encircle you with love, with confidence, with peace.

 

He sees you trying to overcome the hurt, to let go of the injustice, to rid your soul of that which embitters you. He sees how every day you try to forgive that which seems unforgiveable. How you want to trust, to love, to believe that you have worth. His grace has the power to help you release and let go of what has been broken in you so you can begin to live again.

 

He sees you embarking on a journey driven by faith, but with a hint of fear. How you are entering into something unexpected that has the potential for so much good in your life, but how it will require more sacrifice than you have ever given before. His grace has the power to empower you, increase your capacity, and illuminate your view.  He sees you.” (much of this was Emily Belle Freeman remarks)

 

Perhaps you have felt as the apostles of old embarking on the sea on a stormy night following your leader, finding yourself uneasy in the storm. Wondering why when you need Him most, he does not seem to be present but brought a pillow and blanket for the ride.  Somehow, the Savior managed to sleep through the pounding rain, the waves beating against the ship, the rocking of the boat, thundering and lightening. However, if you recall, amidst all the noise, soundly sleeping, He somehow heard the whisper of His name and arose.

 

If you are one that has lost hope or feel like you are traveling a lonely road, I hope that you encounter a reminder or ember that may still faintly glow in your growing darkness. Satan seeks to kill those glows and distract us from finding the Lord. “He told Adam and Eve, “Be ashamed of your choices. Hide from God.” He told Cain to avoid work, to sidestep sacrifice, and to take—violently—from his own brother. Esau gave up what he wanted most for what his body wanted at the moment. Joseph’s brothers allowed jealousy to drive decisions that haunted them. David fell because he was not where he was supposed to be when he was supposed to be there. He treated Bathsheba and Uriah not as children of God he was supposed to protect, but as objects to be used. My friends, people are not objects. King Ahab got his friends and his enemies mixed up. That’s a recipe for disaster. The religious leaders in Jesus’s day were so entrenched in defending their religion against the pressures of Hellenization that they forgot the point of being religious in the first place. Laman and Lemuel seemed to have perfected the corrosive art of murmuring. Korihor was educated but so unwise—he bought into the idea that a belief in God was foolish, the effect of a frenzied mind. And for people like King Noah, Amalickiah, Kishkumen, and Gadianton, politics and political power became their god—and their demise.” (Hank Smith 2025)

 

 We cannot allow tasteless temptations and amusements with a bitter aftertaste, fill us with shame, and steal our future. We must remember who we are and why we are here. Regardless of mistakes made or sins committed, we can still have a beautiful, bright future. Why? Because as we saw in times of old and as the modern prophets have taught, the Lord never gives up on the House of Isreal or us.  He understands us. He understands why we do what we do. His mercies are suited according to the conditions of the children of men. Our choices, superb or mistakes, do not determine our value, we brought our value with us when we came to Earth. Ask the Lord to help us make decisions that match that value. (Hank Smith, 2025) And keep trying, regardless of how may times it takes. Stop praying on your knees and start praying on your feet. Get up. Work towards belief and better days. Bet on the Lord. 

 

Make a wager. Bet your entire life that the gospel is true and begin to believe, expect, and hope. See the goodness of God. Believing carries risks but so does the choice not to believe. The sacrifices we make along the path of discipleship can seem overwhelming, but the sacrifices we make on the pathway to doubt are every bit as real, although in the moment may not seem as monumental.  Believing is not spiritually inferior to knowing, it is okay to merely believe. 

 

In ancient days, sailors relied greatly on ballast- heavy materials, like rocks, placed in the bottom of the boat to stable it on the seas. May we allow God’s words, the scriptures, prophets, and apostles to provide ballast to our spiritual ships as we sail on the tumultuous sea of life. I am learning that when I feel most sharply the gap between who I am and who God needs me to be, I try to remember the best way to shrink the gap, is to work towards making my interactions with others and where I live more like Zion. It will be well for my soul to wear my life out in serving, building, and blessing. 

 

It will not always be rosy nor bright, but we can press forward and must press on. When we feel hurt or those we love have been wounded be the teachings, words, or actions of another- we must do then what we do when we encounter suffering in any arena of human toil- we seek grace and healing from Jesus.  Let us remember that the gospel does not shine because it is a fairy tale life but because we push past that and we find deep, substantive, and enduring succor. The real gospel is what remains when fairy tale perceptions dissipate. “The gospel matters so much because in an age of isolation, it binds us into communities; in an untethered time, it binds us by covenant to God and to each other; in an age of ambiguity, it offers meaning; in an age of desperation, it offers hope; in an age of echoing, empty, and careless cosmos, it offers an empathetic, invested, omniscient Heavenly Father and Mother who hearts beat in sympathy with ours.” (Johnson, 226). The rebirth of belief is something worth waiting for and working for. 

 

When I look at the children, youth, and young adults in the greater Memphis area, I am confident that the Church’s brightest days are still ahead. You are faithful. You love the Lord, and you love His Church. You are teaching others the same. This Church is our home, your home.  We are brothers and sisters. And please remember—please remember—no matter what happens, you can always come home. (Hank Smith, 2024) May we strive to begin today to work towards the celestial kingdom together. We will only choose the celestial kingdom in the future if I choose to repent now in the present. Let us help, forgive, and love one another. “The Lord gets His work done through His people, and He gets His people done through His work.” As Elder Holland said, I hope “your love for Him and your discipleship in His cause will be the consuming passion of your mortality.”  Brothers and Sisters, I know that I, and you are going be redeemed because of the righteousness of our Redeemer. We must believe it and cling on to that belief. 

 

I stand before you today because I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, it makes us better, aligning our lives with the gospel principles makes us better. I know the Book of Mormon and Holy Bible are the words of God. I am better the days I pray, repent, and read my scriptures. I am forever grateful for the Savior in my life and that He and my Heavenly Father made it possible through the restoration of gospel for me be to be an eternal family with Jake and our 4 children. I love them and who they are helping me become. I love my Savior, our Savior, and the grace He provides. I know that He sees me and he sees you. I testify that if you feel you may be too far gone, you are not. Today, you are right where you need to be. If needed, reach out to your parents, leaders, and loved ones. Rely on the saving merits of God’ grace. 

 

References

Johnson, T. P. (2024). When church is hard. Deseret Book. 

Hank Smith. (2025, August 6). Speeches. https://speeches.ensign.edu/devotional/hank-smith-11-2025

Almost the end of an era or so we hear...

 On Sunday after church, someone told me that Jake's release was coming very soon and the next bishop had been chosen. He also said that the next bishop would have large shoes to fill and when Jake is released there will be a void in the ward.  I went in to the linger longer and quietly told Jake.  That evening he told me that when I told him it made him very sad.  While, we know there are able men in the ward, whom would magnify the calling, Jake serving as bishop has blessed our lives and has made him a better man. Last night, I asked him what he thought it meant to preside and he said to watch over.  To preside is to love and serve and I have been blessed first hand to watch that man do exactly that, love and serve. I would hope the ward has felt his love and the love of the Savior through him. His capacity to love has been magnified.  There are countless times I have seen him pray for those he presides and lose sleep over them.

After the linger longer, he mentioned it to his counselors and both did not want it to happen and expressed how great of a thing they have going on.  I texted them that evening and expressed my gratitude for them serving and loving my Jake and that part of the reason I think he finds so much joy in the calling is because of those whom he serves with.  Here are there responses: "I have actually been pretty sad all afternoon. Kinda wish no one would have said anything. Ha! This has actually been the most I have every enjoyed serving in the church and I have learned more about counseling in a presidency from the bishop than at any other time while serving in the church. So, yeah, the feeling is mutual." (Ricky Packard) and "For me it is such a privilege to be able to love, sustain, support, and be friends with your Jake. Which I will side with your Renee' is the best Jake! The love that that man has is right up there next to the love of the Savior. I learn so much and enjoy so much being able to serve with these men. It does make me sad. But oh how grateful I am to have the opportunity to serve with such spiritual giants and disciples of Jesus Christ! Absolutely the feeling is mutual!".  As if my words do not speak enough of the love Jake has for those he presides over, these do.  

I have learned that being bishop is a family calling.  You have sacrifice time, activities, and meals but the rewards are so much higher. It is a time in our lives that I would not change and would repeat.   I would tell Jake when he would apologize at times for needing to leave that things can wait, we are in the people business and to be there for the people.  Now, when the time comes, maybe he will be able to finish some of those started projects that are not yet done.  

Speaking in Memphis 1st ward- Ginny

 Ginny is speaking in another unit this morning because Jake asked her too. Our ward supplies speakers for another unit once a month and he asked her and a friend to go this month. Memphis 1st is very small, I’d say about 40 people. As I watched the brethren pass the sacrament, my heart as full of happiness. Only two men pass the sacrament and as I watched, I noticed the young man (probably mid-20’s) took the cups out and handed them to the young toddlers. My heart was happy as I saw the goodness of others. He was patient with the little ones and the mom sitting with four young kids and helped her and them. It was sweet. 

Ginny spoke on the deep, deep love of Christ. She started about Mary Magdeline, who was full of demons, and became a follower of Christ. She spoke of when Christ appeared to her and she thought it was a gardener and how often does Christ show up in our lives and we may think it’s someone or something else. Next she told the story of Peter the doubts but then trusting. She also spoke of Peter denying the Christ and how often we may betray Christ by choosing something over him.  Judas was last and how Christ still loves him and will most likely embrace him in the next life and still call him friend. Ginny shared a story of when she felt low and was rambling to God and after she got quiet, she felt Him speak to her. She said “To be loved is to be known. And the Savior knows us. Christ radically changes people because He radically loved them.” Our job is to love and make people feel seen. 

Aubree's wisdom teeth, Cow Day, & FSY week

 On Friday, August 10th, Aubree had her wisdom teeth removed and boy is she something on anesthesia. We had a few good laughs. She was terrified in the car thinking I was driving too fast (not even 20mph), sang about loving America, shared over and over how she loves Jesus and He her, and called members of our family scripture people, pending on how it aligned with what she wanted.  Her dad was Laman, Lamuel, and Alma the Younger because he told her to rest. 

The boys left for FSY on 7/13 and come back home tomorrow.  I had prayed this week for both of their testimonies of the Savior to increase and for Will to have a stronger desire to get on his mission. Jake, Ginny, and I attended the temple last night and I said a silent prayer for the same thing.  Last night as I climber into bed, Will called (which he has not been doing this week) and told me that he wanted to get on his mission and that he felt the Spirit so strongly yesterday.  Christopher also called and texted the following last night: "Today I learned that Christ is beside me. He is with me on my bad and good days. He is there to hug me when I am down. He is there to let me lean on his shoulder when things are too hard. He is there to carry me when I tried my best and it did not work out. He is there when I need a friend. I will accept His hugs. I will accept his shoulder. I will accept His strength to carry me. I will accept His friendship. I will accept Christ.  I know everyone can accept Him whenever, no matter he past because I know He loves us. My prayers are answered."  Yes, Christopher my prayers are answered too. This morning as I was driving to work, I thanked my Heavenly Father that it has been a good week for my boys and my eyes watered a touch.  Then at work, I received the following text from Will and sobbed with gratitude: "My testimony has been strengthened so much. I know now that I want to go on my mission as soon as possible. The thing that helped me the most this week was testimony meeting hearing all the beautiful testimonies. I love you."  Aubree also sent me a screenshot of his social media post.  I am so grateful that it has been a good week for my boys where they have felt love and accepted.  Both have seemed to love their groups.  Thank you to those who served there and invited the Spirit. 

Tuesday was also Cow Day, where you can dress up like a cow and get an free entree (sandwich, nuggets, or kids meal) from Chick-Fil-A.  I managed to get 5 orders and Jake and Ginny also did it one day, although they still bought stuff too.  It was fun to laugh about. 

Last night after the temple, I told Jake that we have been blessed that our children are not just covenant makers but covenant keepers thus far in their lives.  I pray it always stays that way and they surround themselves with other covenant keepers to make it a touch easier.  While I know we made several mistakes parenting, I choose to believe that maybe we made a few good choices too or focused on some of the right things.   

Happy 250th America

 We are not a perfect nation but we are a nation of freedoms and that it worth celebrating.  Freedom comes with a price and I am grateful for those men and women who serve or whom have served to give this liberty to us. Our family met Chris's family in DC for the 4th, along with hundreds of thousands of other people for a non-political celebration of our country and military branches.  It was crazy. On the 4th, we made it through security and were seated on the front of the non-reserved bleachers watching the flyovers (which had been going on all day to enjoy) when were told to evacuate for severe weather.  We grabbed a quick dinner but remained nearby to try to get back in in the event it re-opened but were unsuccessful when it re-opened after waiting for an hour.  However, we were still able to sit outside and hear things, and watch the fireworks. Members of the military provided the music, veterans were honored, and the military honored before the fireworks. While there were frustrations: the crowd (hundreds of thousands so the line was long and tight), heat, and being able to get back in, it was an event to remember. While the fly-overs and fireworks were spectacular, my best memories (aside from my family) will be seeing the good in humanity: passing our water in the heat, sharing fans, and after the evacuation, walking down the street and and seeing/hearing a large group (guessing 100ish) break out in "God Bless America" with many others joining in. God Bless America, land that I love. Thank you for the freedoms we enjoy and the beauty of this world. 

Girls drove to Knoxville a couple days before and hung out

The Washington Monument was lit up each night with a short show, showcasing parts of our history. 

No words.....

Arlington Cemetery headed to the tomb of the unknown

Aubree and Callie

The girls got up early on the morning of the 4th to participate in the Relay for America (the flag was ran from San Francisco to the Capital). The ran the last segment (3-4 miles, I believe)

Before the evacuation

Blowing time before the gates open, found shade and watched the fly overs.

And we are evacuating